Bradford Sporting Charities Launch Joint Youth Initiative
August 21, 2026New partnership aims to support young people through sport
Three of Bradford district’s largest sporting charities have joined forces to launch a new initiative called Played in Bradford. The project was officially introduced at an event held at City Park, bringing together representatives from the Bradford City FC Community Foundation, Bradford Bulls Foundation, and Yorkshire Cricket Foundation.
About Played in Bradford
Played in Bradford is a collaborative partnership between the official charities of Bradford City AFC, Bradford Bulls rugby league club, and Yorkshire County Cricket Club. The initiative aims to use sport and physical activity as tools to help young people develop employability skills and access new opportunities.
The partnership is supported by Active Bradford, a local charity that provides strategic oversight and coordination to promote health and activity across the district.
Launch Event and Activities
The launch event took place at Bradford Arts Centre and was followed by family-oriented activities at City Park, near Bradford’s City Hall. Coaches, staff, and mascots from the three foundations led various sporting challenges, including:
- Football skill challenges
- Inflatable cricket batting games
- Rugby passing, catching, and physical strength tests
The event provided an opportunity for the organisations to engage with local families and introduce the goals of the new partnership.
Statements from Representatives
Lizzie Saunderson-Trowell, CEO of the Bradford City FC Community Foundation, described the partnership as a commitment to achieve more collectively than individually. She highlighted the long-standing work of the organisations in improving lives through sport.
Liaqat Ali, Head of Community Programmes at Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, emphasised the potential to make a lasting impact by combining shared values and community reach.
Michelle Pemberton, Projects and Events Manager at the Bradford Bulls Community Foundation, noted that the partnership would create more opportunities across Bradford’s communities.
James Brown, CEO of Active Bradford, spoke about the benefits of collaboration, stating that the partnership demonstrates how organisations with a shared purpose can work together to develop confidence, life skills, leadership, and employability for young people.
Future Plans
Played in Bradford plans to launch a youth leadership programme aimed at supporting young people in the district as they transition into adulthood and employment. With approximately 27% of Bradford’s population under the age of 20, the initiative seeks to address local youth needs through sport-based development opportunities.
Contact Information
Those interested in learning more about Played in Bradford or wishing to get involved can contact the partner organisations via email at office@bcfccommunity.co.uk.
